There are many types of “doctors” in the health field. How many are there and why are only some of them considered “medical”? Is it only historical or are there other reasons?
IANAD
An MD, despite having chosen a specialty for his practice, has a general knowledge of medicine. A gynecologist would be able to set your broken arm, and an opthamologist would be able to tell if that thing on your lip was ringworm or herpes. A dentist, as I understand it, might not be much help for non-dental matters. (Are oral surgeons MDs, or DDSs? I dunno.)
A podiatrist, or “chiropodist” as they’re called now, come from the same tradition as chiropractors, not MDs.
If you keeled over at the opera and someone stood up and shouted “Is there a doctor in the house?”, dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors and veterinarians would likely wait a moment before answering–in case an internist or GP also happened to be in the audience.
IAAD, and sorry, that’s incorrect. Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, and train in podiatry school to treat diseases of the foot along allopathic (medical and surgical) lines. But their practices are restricted to the foot, and they are not trained in general medicine.
Completely different from chiropracty.
And while the rest of your post was pretty much spot-on, I would hesitate to let most OB-GYNs I know even touch my broken arm, unless there were no other option. 
Or as my orthopedist friend says when we’re hanging out and a patient comes in complaining of chest pain: “I’m out of here! That guy needs an RD! A Real Doctor!” Meaning an MD who treats people with chest pain.
In Australia (and, I suspect, much of the Commonwealth):
A “medical” doctor typically has an MBBS: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree. This is roughly equivalent to an American MD, AFAIC.
A dentist usually has a Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) or Bachelor of Science in Dentistry (BScDent).
Podiatrists may come from a wider range of qualifications. See here for an example of what’s required to register as a podiatrist in one state. Note that certain Diplomas as well as Bachelors-level degrees may be used to qualify.
A word to the wise: There is no such word as “chiropracty”. Both the noun and adjectival forms are “chiropractic”. It’s an unusual ending for a noun, but after 109 years, there it is.
As a side note, everyone should know that the basic science portion of the first two years of chiropractic school are almost indistinguishable from the first two years of medical school, at least in the USA. Prior to entry, a student must pass two semesters each of physics, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. Then gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, scientific etymology, radiology, microbiology, laboratory studies, biochemistry, cytology, histology, embryology, endocrinology, orthopedy and pathology are some of the courses that leap to mind during the first two years, in addition to spinal analysis and theory of chiropractic. After that, the similarities continue with respect to studying disease processes and clinical diagnosis, radiology, etc., but chiropractors choose to focus on biomechanics, ergonomics, physical therapy, manipulative therapy and nutrition rather than drugs and surgery. Since many if not most “diseases” are much better suited to treatment with these latter modalities by crisis intervention specialists (i.e., MDs and DOs), it is important to be able to recognize and distinguish among them clinically. A huge percentage of doctor’s office visits, though, are for neck and back pain and headaches, where allopathic medicine has far less to offer compared to chiropractic. Increasingly over the past 20 years, in the USA medical physicians recognize and accept this fact, regularly referring to, and in many cases opening joint practices with, chiropractic physicians. Egos out the window, whatever suits the patient’s case best is the rule.
Not to nit pick, but according to
this site, they are the same.
Really… I’m not trying to cause any trouble here. 
All I see at that site is that chiropodist = podiatrist, which no one is disputing. What Qadgop is saying is that chiropodist/podiatrist is not the same as chiropractic, which Krokidil had stated in the post to which Qadgop was replying. Am I missing something, or have you misread the posts here?
Where on that site does it say a Podiatrist and a Chiropractor are the same? Just because they share the first 5 letters in name doesn’t imply that.
Too late.
Chiropodist = podiatrist. But a chiropractor is neither a chirpodist nor a podiatrist.
Orthodox chiropractors follow the teachings of D. D. Palmer, who believed disease was caused by disruption of nerve flow from spinal misalignment. Therefore spinal adjustment would work as a curative/preventative. Many chiropractors to this day will examine a spine x-ray, announce they see a misalignment which may make one prone to diabetes, and recommend biweekly adjustments for life to prevent this from developing. These are the ones to avoid like the plague.
I have worked with chiropractors in the past who considered themselves professionals in dealing with musculo-skeletal complaints of the spine via manipulation, massage, ultrasound, TENS stimulation. These are the ones who I find most helpful.
We normally avoid mention of this, but apparently it also bears noting that there are many medical doctors to this day who will poison their patients slowly to death with ‘two pills a day for life’ of excessive or improper pharmaceutical products pushed to them (along with complimentary football tickets) by their detail men, or kill their patients more quickly–accidentally of course–with unnecessary or sloppily performed surgeries. Michael Swango, for example, found work as a physician in a succession of hospitals in S. Dakota and New York despite having been convicted of deliberately poisoning three patients just after graduating from Ohio State University’s medical school. He has since been indicted on murder charges. In his book Love Surgery, OB/GYN James E. Burt introduced “clitoral relocation” to the medical establishment. He acted upon the belief that excision does not prevent sexual pleasure but enhances it. He also thoughtfully changed the angle of the vaginal canal, to enhance the male partner’s pleasure. Altering the reproductive organs of thousands of women in this manner without their knowledge or consent, Burt practiced at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio for almost ten years with full knowledge of the Dayton Medical Society before he was exposed, after which he gave up his license. Barry S. Shifrin, MD, Director of Maternal/Fetal Medicine at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, Calif., addressed the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as reported in the AMA News, June 21, 1985. He said in part: “You must understand that some of the malpractice out there is so grievous, offensive and implausible as to beggar the imagination.” Some medical doctors amputate the wrong leg, cover up systematic malpractice by their colleagues at hospitals, leave sponges and metal tools inside surgery patients, and intentionally scare patients with horror stories about chiropractors to avoid losing them as patients. These are the ones to avoid like the plague.
Needless to say, as regards all types of doctors (as well as policemen, lawyers, judges, massage therapists, engineers, teachers, etc.), for every one miscreant there are many, many dozens more who are honest, upstanding, knowledgeable, genuinely caring professionals with integrity who look for the best in people and who respect their colleagues and the public alike. These are the ones who are most helpful.
It might be very helpful, in discussing this topic, if QtM or another authoritative health professional did a quick run-through of the varieties of medical practitioner there are, what their training is, and what they represent themselves to be.
Using our rather thorough Yellow Pages, I’ve come up with the following:
Allergist (MD or DO) – person with a medical degree (in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine respectively) specializing in the treatment of allergies
Bariatrist (MD) – person with an MD who specializes in treating obesity
Cardiologist (MD or DO) – person with a medical degree (see allergist) who specializes in the cardiovascular system – “heart doctor” in layman’s parlance
Chiropodist – a Podiatrist
Chiropractor – does not have an MD, and subscribes to a school of medical practice which believes that many ailments (not diseases, for an ethical professional) can be relieved by forms of physical therapy aimed at realigning problems of posture and joint flexure
Dentist (DDS or DMD) – person with a dental degree specializing in care of the teeth and gums. A DMD as a rule has a more medical focus than a DDS, though both are trained professionals.
Dermatologist (MD) – person with an MD who specializes in treating skin conditions
Endocrinologist (MD) – person with an MD who specializes in conditions of the endocrine glands (pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, etc.)
Gastroenterologist (MD) – person with an MD who specializes in conditions of the digestive tract and related abdominal organs. Nearly synonymous with Internist
Geriatrist and Gerontologist (MD) – person whose specialty is in conditions of the aging. The gerontologist may or may not be an MD, and is likely to be more into research and unusual conditions.
Gynecologist (MD or DO) – person with a medical degree (see allergist) who specializes in conditions of the female reproductive system. Obstetrics, a related discipline, deals with pregnancy and childbirth.
Hematologist (MD) – person with an MD who specializes in conditions of the blood and the organs producing it
Internist (MD) – person with an MD who specializes in treating “systemic” conditions, meaning problems with the interior organs, especially those of the abdomen. Carefully distinguish this specialist from an Intern(e), a newly-minted MD completing his training by beginning his practice in a hospital under the direction of more experienced physicians.
Naturopathist (DN) – your guess is as good as mine!
Nephrologist (MD) – specializing in the kidneys
Neurologist (MD) – specializing in the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system
Oncologist (MD) – person with an MD who specializes in treating cancer
Orthodontist (DDS or DMD) – person with a dental degree specializing in the straightening of teeth
Orthopedist (MD) – fully trained MD with a specialty in bone and joint conditions
Ophthalmologist (DO or MD) – person with a specialized degree focusing on the treatment of the eyes, who may perform invasive procedures, Lasik, etc.
Optometrist (OD) – person with a degree equipping him/her to prescribe and/or produce external corrective devices for vision (i.e., eyeglasses, contact lenses, etc.)
Osteopath – I do not understand the osteopathic theory of medicine well enough to comment.
Otorhinolaryngologist – person with an MD specializing in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. Otolaryngolists are similar but do not treat problems of the nose.
Pediatrician (MD or DO) – person with a medical degree (see allergist) who specializes in the treatment of children
Podiatrist (DPM) – person with a specialized degree treating conditions of the foot
Proctologist (MD) – trained MD who specializes in conditions of the colon, rectum, and anal passage
Psychiatrist (MD) – fully trained MD specializing in mental illness
Psychologist – person who may or may not have a doctorate but is not an MD who specializes in the treatment of mental illness (as a clinical practitioner – other psychologists deal with other aspects of the mind)
Radiologist – person with health training who deals with the use of radiation in diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologists are full-fledged MDs; others are X-ray technicians, etc.
Registered Nurse Practitioner – person with an RN degree plus extra training (for an RNP degree or certificate) who is entitled to treat persons within the scope of his/her training independently, under the general oversight of an MD
Rheumatologist (MD or DO) – person with a medical degree (see allergist) who specializes in the treatment of arthritic conditions
Urologist (MD or DO) – person with a medical degree (see allergist) who specializes in the treatment of the urinary system (and the male genitalia, as a rule)
What have I missed?
Thanks for a fairly exhaustive list. Looks like we’ve come a long way from barbers doing major surgery.
In England, Surgeons (and this usually includes Dentists as Dental Surgeons) are referred to as MR rather than DR - Due to the history of the way Surgeons were trained and qualified , the Medical Doctors tended to look down on the surgeons, to some extent.
Surgeons training in England until the mid-19th century did not have to go to university to gain a degree, they usually served an apprenticeship to a surgeon then took an examination. In London, after 1745, this was conducted by the Surgeons’ Company. After 1800 by The Royal College of Surgeons. They would then be awarded a diploma, not a degree, therefore they were unable to call themselves ‘Doctor’, and stayed instead with the title ‘Mr’.
This Mr or Dr title distinction still continues.So they go from Mr to Dr then after qualifying as surgeons become Mr again!
Correction.
There are not only dozens, but MANY THOUSANDS of honest upstanding professionals for every one fuck-up. And please don’t expect a cite.
Minor quibble, Poly. A radiologist is always an MD or DO here in the US. Also, a DO with suitable residency and/or subspecialty training can be any of the things you listed for MD up there.
hyjyljyj, I’ve worked in tandem with nearly a dozen chiropractors in my career (some of whom have referred to “the chiropracty” while others call it “the chiropractic”). And all the ones I worked with told me they felt the profession was held back by the “orthodox” chiropractors who still practiced according to the principles laid down by D. D. Palmer. My DC colleagues were less concerned about the “bad” colleagues (which every profession has and gods know I see waaay too many of them) but more the ones who stuck with what most of them considered to be a principle which has been thoroughly debunked. Frankly, I feel the same way about my MD (and DO) colleagues who have embraced homeopathy, or continue to prescribe estrogens in post-menopausal women to prevent heart disease.
Medicine must continue to move in the direction of evidence-based outcomes. If a treatment can be scientifically shown to be of benefit, it’s mainstream medicine, no matter where it originated. Anyone continuing to use treatments which have been shown to not be beneficial, or at least harmless, needs to be confronted and educated about the matter by colleagues.
QtM, MD
THANK you for beating the evidence-based medicine drum!
I work with medical researchers to (we hope) advance the cause of EBM - granted, sometimes you don’t know why something works at first, but that’s no excuse for not investigating further. And yes, it’s disheartening when something that LOOKS good doesn’t pan out in the clinical trials…
Kind of ticks me off when we do a nice, solid study encompassing several dozen trials that are rigorous, double-blinded classic science and somebody freakin’ sues us because they don’t like what we have to say. (yes, we were recently served again - time to sick the lawyers on them…)
Glad to oblige, Broomstick. Fly anyplace or anything interesting lately?
Hmm… well, last time I was up it started snowing in the cockpit… maybe I’ll put it in MPSIMS…
But have been far too busy this week - another big meeting of doctors I had to play stage-manager for. Not normally involved in this one, but the regular gal was ill so I pitched in. WHY do doctors insist on starting meetings at 7 am or earlier?
As an interesting side note - the Blue Cross family of companies has, in recent years, made an effort to include the input of dentists, podiatrists, and yes, chiropractors in setting medical policy and coverage in addition to the contributions of MDs and DOs. This has occassionally made for increased voice volume at some meetings, very exciting.
And in my little research group, we are currently involved in a project researching the care of chronic wounds. We insisted on including not only MDs, DOs, and podiatrists, but also a nurse representative in our panel of reviewers since nurses are so frequently and thoroughly involved with wound care (they do, after all, do virtually all the oogy bandage changes, much of the clean-up, and the re-bandaging, not to mention extensive patient contact).
The more the various medical disciplines can interact, the better off the patient is likely to be. As one example, some cancer treatments can result in damage to the “oral cavity” as the docs like to call it - to the point of not only loss of teeth and gums but also breakdown of the actual jawbone itself. Working with a good dentist can help spot problems early, and help alleviate them. Dentists are the ones who fit the bridge and dentures these patients might wind up needing, not the oncologists. Indeed, there are dentists who specialize in reconstructive dentistry and wind up working extensively not only with oncologists but plastic/reconstructive surgeons as well.
What is the actual difference between an M.D. and a D.O.? I’ve gone to both kinds and I can’t seem to tell the difference.
An M.B.B.S. can also be M.B.Ch.B. or M.B.B.Ch.
Cecil actually has something on that.
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mdo.html
Short answer, not much.